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CommonBond frames commissioned art for their office

Framebridge

Let's all take a deep breath and say it together now: student loans. Two words that come with a whole lot of baggage and stress. Enter CommonBond. Founded in 2012, this New York City company has set out to shake up this very frustrating market. Through their refinancing services, CommonBond is re-thinking this space altogether. And they wanted this innovative spirit to translate to their office style and culture, too. They took a really cool approach to this by commissioning art prints that had the same look and feel as their branding and we were thrilled to help them frame the series for their office. Here's our chat with CommonBond's Emma Chao Luk on how we put our worked together to bring their brand to life on their office walls.

For those who aren't familiar, can you tell us about CommonBond? We're a leading student lender that uses data and technology to help people take control of their student loans. By refinancing their student loans and paying less interest, our members save an average of $14,581. We offer lower rates, bigger savings, better service, and a one-of-a-kind Social Promise that helps fund the education of children in need.

How did the company start? CommonBond was founded by three graduate students who were frustrated by the costs and process to take out their own student loans. They knew there had to be a better way - so they created one!

What's the office vibe like? We're located in the heart of SoHo, in a spectacular space that was renovated just for us. It's an open floor plan, with music playing, people creating and innovating, dogs visiting, and exciting collaborations leading to new benefits for our members every day. It's a fun environment and we're doing work with a real mission, so there's a great vibe for our team.

"I was so impressed that Framebridge printed, framed, and shipped so quickly. The results speak for themselves!"

How would you describe the company culture? We're from the "work hard, play hard" school of thought, with themed music playlists, video games, a ping pong table, a beer fridge, weekly catered Lunch & Learns, monthly happy hours, movie nights, game nights, and more.

We love the art you framed. Can you tell us a little bit about the pieces? In order to have CommonBond stand out from a crowded lending space, we worked with Peter Greenwood to illustrate fun, colorful characters and environments. We're not your traditional bank-and these illustrations tell our audience that we're in the business of helping you approach student loans in a new way.

"When we have visitors, the pieces have become focal points, conversation starters, and ice breakers."

How does the art connect to your business? To your brand? The characters in these pieces represent our members doing big things with their big savings - moving forward, onward, and upward, free from the stress and constraints of their old student loans. There are quirky and creative elements in each one - sometimes obvious, sometimes hidden - that give a nod to the playfulness and humor within our brand and within our team. We do serious work, but we don't take ourselves too seriously.

Do you have a favorite piece? They're all really beautiful and fun. The scuba diving scene is one of my favorites because of the bright colors, the details, and the diversity of the underwater world. (And the hidden mermaid and crab!)

What was is like to work with Framebridge? Can you tell us a little bit about the process? Working with Framebridge was such a positive experience. The team reached out to me right away and answered any questions I had. I was so impressed that Framebridge printed, framed, and shipped so quickly. The results speak for themselves!

What value does the framed art add to your space? We've hung the framed pieces in each of our conference rooms, giving the spaces formerly known as "Cubby A-F" a real personality. They've added a touch of class, polish, and fun to what were once bare white walls. When we have visitors, the pieces have become focal points, conversation starters, and ice breakers.

Is there anything you're excited to frame next? We have even more characters being created for upcoming campaigns, and we can't wait to have them join their friends in beautiful frames on our walls!